Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Clear elements are super hot right now, and my budget is super not right now. I do, however, have a lot of acetate (the inexpensive kind that is not the type for printers) so I was trying to figure out how to use it. The best way I could think to keep the ink on it was to emboss it, but I wasn't sure if it'd stick or if it'd melt. Turns out, if you sand it & you're very careful with the heat it's just fine. It might warp a tad, but if you're punching it into scallops (or shapes) that makes no never mind. Here's a little tutorial on how to emboss the acetate:

Step 1.Sand the acetate to create a tooth for the ink to adhere to. I used a nail file.

Here's how to make a 3D fabulous flower with Only 1 Layer (really saves on cardstock, and on stamping & cutting time):

Step 1.Stamp the flower using the moist kissing technique. (Tutorial here.) For this flower I've stamped Fabulous Flowers kissed with Floral background in Silver Encore ink on "Drive in the Country" paper (ste-722 Stella Ruby line by Basic Grey.)

Step 2.Outline the flower with marker & (if desired) colour in each petal with marker for bolder definition.

Step 3.Cover each petal in Crystal Effects (makes the colour pop & gives gloss)Step 4.Bead the center (if desired) & allow to dryStep 5.Carefully cut around the tips of each petal (being careful to ensure cuts do not go all the way around so your petals stay attached to one another) Lift gently with blade (or fingers) to shape.

Here's a back-view of the flower, to give you an idea of where you may want to make your cuts.

As this pic shows, the flower looks best against similarly hued backgrounds (makes it look kind of like it has more layers under it.)

here's what it looks like on vellum:

A pointer for making new colours of cardstock. I wanted a rich burgundy for a mat. Since I didn't have that, I just used a real red Stamp'n'Write marker to change the hue of Chocolate Chip cardstock. I think I'll call this "new" colour Cherry Chocolate, LOL. ;0)

you should hear me ooohing and aaaahhing over how gorgeous your creations are! I know I keep saying it over and over, but your creativity continues to blow me away! Thank you so very much for all that you share with us :){hugs}, Tracy